Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. [First Printing]

(May 2000)

[Direct Edition Bar Code] (Table of Contents: 1)

blank page(s) / 1 page (report information)

Letters

typeset

Indexer Notes

Direct edition barcode on an otherwise white blank page.
Inside front cover.

Nick Fury: Agent of Shield (Table of Contents: 2)

credits, title page / 1 page (report information)

Letters

typeset

Indexer Notes

Title; Book credits; Indicia

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 3)

illustration / 6 pages (report information)

Pencils

?

Inks

?

Colors

?

Letters

?

Indexer Notes

First occurrence essentially a blank page between title page and Prologue but with repeated icons of "Nick Fury Agent of SHIELD" on a shield topped by an American eagle. The drawings are in light blue on an even lighter blue background with two darker blue borders on either side consisting of repeated images of the same shield design. This same design is used as a background for other non-comics pages. It is used as pages 77, 186, 198 and 218. The last occurrence is after the "Greatest Comics Never Seen!!" sequence.

Prologue (Table of Contents: 4)

foreword, introduction, preface, afterword / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Alejandro M. Viturtia (credited as A. M. Viturtia)

Letters

typeset

First Line of Dialogue or Text

When artist John Buscema was hired to draw Strange Tales #150...

Reprints

• in S.H.I.E.L.D. by Steranko: The Complete Collection (Marvel, 2013 series) ([October] 2013)
• in S.H.I.E.L.D.: The Complete Collection Omnibus (Marvel, 2015 series) (2015)

Indexer Notes

Introduction and background on how Jim Steranko was given the job of artist and subsequently writer/artist on Nick Fury.

Hydra Lives! (Table of Contents: 5)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (credited) (script)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited) (layouts); John Buscema (credited)

Inks

Frank Giacoia (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Waddaya waiting for, Dum Dum?

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; Jasper Sitwell; Dum Dum Dugan; Senator Dudley (member of Plans & Operations Section); Supreme Hydra ["Don Cabellero"]; HYDRA

Synopsis

Fury subjects himself to a dangerous test in order to prove that an atomic missile can be detonated long-distance by a sonic weapon which SHIELD believes HYDRA has. While both he and Dugan are recovering from injuries, Don Cabellero, at the urging of an undercover SHIELD man, invites Fury to a party in ancient Karnopolis in the Sahara Desert. Caballero is a disguise for the new Supreme Hydra, who is aware a SHIELD agent has invaded his ranks. Fury tells Sitwell he will be in command during his absence but suddenly a sonic boom shakes the HQ as the Overkill Horn is being tested.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #150 (November 1966)

Indexer Notes

Part 1 of 9. 1st appearance of the "new" Supreme Hydra, later revealed to have been its real leader all along, behind-the-scenes. In this episode, Jasper Sitwell is a dead ringer for Roy Thomas! John Buscema's 1st 1960's Marvel work (even though Stan welcomed him back in the credits of TALES TO ASTONISH #85 the same month).

Overkill! (Table of Contents: 6)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (credited) (script)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited) (layouts); Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Jim Steranko (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee

First Line of Dialogue or Text

In the mysterious city of Karnopolis, at the edge of the rolling Sahara...

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; HYDRA; Supreme Hydra ["Don Cabellero"]; Dum Dum Dugan; Jasper Sitwell; Gabe Jones

Synopsis

Fury lands in Karnopolis and is defeated by a squad of robots. Stripped of his gadget-laden clothes Fury faces the new Supreme Hydra, who tells of Hydra's plans to use the Overkill Horn to detonate nuclear weapons worldwide and emerge as the new rulers of the earth. Dugan, upset by Fury's order to launch an H-Missile to destroy HYDRA's weapon, tries to save his buddy, but is stopped when Gabe shoots him in the shoulder. Fury escapes on a HYDRA jet, unaware the Overkill Horn is on board the plane. As Sitwell prepares to destroy the aircraft, Fury realizes the radio isn't working.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #151 (December 1966)

Indexer Notes

Part 2 of 9. The "new" Supreme Hydra reveals that he had previously "masqueraded" as The Grand Imperator of "THEM" (A.I.M.), and that Supreme Hydra is his "true" identity, the first indication that he had been the real behind-the-scenes architect of HYDRA all along. The plot to cause nuclear fallout while those responsible sit it out underground is similar to that in the Matt Helm film THE SILENCERS (1966). Jim Steranko's 1st work for Marvel.

The Power of SHIELD! (Table of Contents: 7)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (credited) (script)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited) (layouts); Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Jim Steranko (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee

First Line of Dialogue or Text

SHIELD missles-- zeroin' in on my ship!

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; Gabe Jones; Jasper Sitwell; HYDRA; Supreme Hydra ["Don Cabellero"; "Emir Ali-Bey"]; Laura Brown; Tony Stark (cameo)

Synopsis

Fury signals SHIELD but after Sitwell realizes Fury is the pilot he still orders the launching of a Strato-Mine which could ignite the atmosphere. Supreme Hydra learns that Laura Brown, the daughter of his predecessor who helped Fury has been captured in Egypt. Donning a new disguise he leaves to exact punishment. Fury turns the plane around, and discovering the hidden Overkill Horn, dives from the plane, picked up by a SHIELD submarine. The plane, followed by the Strato-Mine, obliterates Karnopolis and all within HYDRA base. Soon after, Fury and a SHIELD squad rescues Laura from HYDRA thugs.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #152 (January 1967)

Indexer Notes

Part 3 of 9. The method Fury used to contact SHIELD without a radio was later used in the BATTLESTAR GALACTICA episode, "The Hand Of God". Laura Brown's previous appearance in STRANGE TALES #141 (February 1966).

The Hiding Place! (Table of Contents: 8)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Roy Thomas (credited) (script)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited) (layouts); Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Jim Steranko (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited)

First Line of Dialogue or Text

In the aftermath of combat, there are a number of fringe benefits that go along with the post of Director of SHIELD...

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

"Clipper Charlie" (SHIELD barber); Nick Fury; Jasper Sitwell; Laura Brown; HYDRA; Gabe Jones; Supreme Hydra ["Emir Ali-Bey"; "Agent Bronson"]; Dum Dum Dugan

Synopsis

At the barbershop, Fury looks back on SHIELD's 1st battle with HYDRA, when Laura Brown saved his life and helped defeat them. As the President offers to pardon her, she is transported by Gabe & Jasper. Fury & Dugan go to rescue the trio. The Supreme Hydra dons a new disguise, that of "Agent Bronson", a SHIELD man who is their prisoner. "Bronson" arrives at the Heli-Carrier just in time to join the team racing to help Fury. After doing so, "Bronson" gains Fury's confidence. Noting he's no "babe-in-arms", "Bronson" confides he, too, was in a "Commando Squadron" in WW2.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #153 (February 1967)

Indexer Notes

Part 4 of 9. "Clipper Charlie" named in STRANGE TALES #164 (January 1968). Fury's Porsche 904, which has been in use since STRANGE TALES #135 (August 1965) is destroyed in this episode; he would get a new car in STRANGE TALES #162 (November 1967). After 2 episodes where Fury's appearance remained the same, he appears to lose a lot of weight in this one as Steranko begins to modify his appearance. Jack Kirby, who plotted every SHIELD episode up to this point, finally departs. While known for "seat-of-the-pants" plotting, it appears that on the next-to-last page of his final episode, he'd figured out the true identity of the Supreme Hydra-- but readers would have to wait 3 more months to learn the truth!

Beware... The Deadly Dreadnought! (Table of Contents: 9)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jim Steranko (credited) (plot); Roy Thomas (credited) (script)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Jim Steranko (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited)

First Line of Dialogue or Text

The mysterious Supreme Hydra has assumed the identity of a SHIELD agent named Bronson...

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Dum Dum Dugan; Nick Fury; Laura Brown; Gabe Jones; Supreme Hydra ["Agent Bronson"]; Jasper Sitwell; HYDRA; Boothroyd (Personal Effects Dept.); The Dreadnought (HYDRA Robot)

Synopsis

While the AUTOFAC computer works out the Supreme Hydra’s true identity, Fury plans to have Bronson transport Laura to SHIELD's West coast HQ. In the Personal Effects Dept. Fury is given a new outfit. Just in time-- as moments later, he's attacked by The Dreadnought, a deadly 8-foot-tall HYDRA killer robot. Laura suspects Bronson may be the Supreme Hydra himself, and her suspicions are confirmed by AUTOFAC, but before she can pass on the info, "Bronson" overpowers her. Fury just barely manages to beat The Dreadnought, but finds Laura is missing-- and AUTOFAC names her as the Supreme Hydra!

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #154 (March 1967)

Indexer Notes

Part 5 of 9. Fury's "Repulsor Watch", capable of deflecting bullets, later turned up in the film LIVE AND LET DIE (1973), though in the movie, it was only used to attract metal, not deflect it.

Death Trap! (Table of Contents: 10)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jim Steranko (credited)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Jim Steranko (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited)

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Attention. Vorti-Control Center!

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; President Johnson (cameo); Jasper Sitwell; Professor Anton Trojak (creator of Q-Ray machine; Anihil-Agent 47); HYDRA; Gabe Jones; Dum Dum Dugan; Supreme Hydra ["Agent Bronson"]; Laura Brown

Synopsis

The Heli-Carrier takes on a number of VIP's, as well as Prof. Trojak and his "Q-Ray" for a demonstration. But Trojak is really a HYDRA agent, and his oversized machine has been used to smuggle several HYDRA thugs aboard! In addition to these dangers, Fury must also cope with his 3 best friends, who've been hypnotized to kill him. Fury manages to save the day, and an injured, unconscious Laura is found hidden in the computer room, wearing a HYDRA outfit. "LBJ" appears to blame Fury for the security screw-up, and orders him confined to quarters...

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #155 (April 1967)

Indexer Notes

Part 6 of 9. Fury comments that no amount of attempted brainwashing could ever force Sitwell to turn bad as "it's against his principles". Last episode of this storyline reprinted in the 1970's; fans would have to wait until 2000 to read a reprint of the rest of the story!

The Tribunal! (Table of Contents: 11)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jim Steranko (credited)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Jim Steranko (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited)

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Nick Fury confined to quarters under armed guard!

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Supreme Hydra ["Agent Bronson"; Baron Strucker]; Laura Brown; Jasper Sitwelll; Gabe Jones; Dum Dum Dugan; Nick Fury; HYDRA; The Thing (cameo); Human Torch (cameo); Invisible Girl (cameo); Mr. Fantastic (cameo); Spider-Man (cameo); Daredevil (cameo); Thor (cameo); Scarlet Witch (cameo); Hawkeye (cameo); Captain America (cameo); Angel (cameo); Beast (cameo); Iceman (cameo); Cyclops (cameo); Marvel Girl (cameo); Professor X (cameo); Iron Man (cameo); Hulk (cameo); Goliath (cameo); Wasp (cameo)

Synopsis

Fury's quarters are destroyed, apparently killing him! Bronson heads for Hydra Island, a futuristic, hi-tech fortress in the Pacific resuming his guise as Supreme Hydra. He announces to the world that he's placed a Death Spore bomb on board the Heli-Carrier which will unleash a plague upon the entire Earth! He plans to stage a fake trial for Laura, as an example to all who would defy him. Having suspected Bronson from the start, Fury who was hiding on board the Dyna-Soar is captured and discovers the true identity of the Supreme Hydra is Baron Strucker, his old foe from WW2!

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #156 (May 1967)

Indexer Notes

Part 7 of 9. See various issues of SGT. FURY AND HIS HOWLING COMMANDOS for earlier appearances of Baron Strucker. 24 years had elapsed between Fury & Strucker's last meeting and this one. Shortly after this comic's original publication, the 007 film YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE would reveal the identity of S.P.E.C.T.R.E.'s "Number One", Ernst Stavros Blofeld; Donald Pleasence's onscreen appearance, bald with an odd, monocle-shaped scar, is so similar to Strucker's it does not seem possible to be a coincidence!

Crisis! (Table of Contents: 12)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jim Steranko (credited)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Jim Steranko (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited)

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Nick Fury has finally come face-to-face with the Supreme Hydra...

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Supreme Hydra [Baron Strucker]; Laura Brown; HYDRA; Jasper Sitwell; Gabe Jones; Dum Dum Dugan; Nick Fury;

Synopsis

Strucker announces that the impregnable dome over Hydra Island will keep them safe from the "Death Spore" plague, and plans to use Fury's body as the basis for an army of HYDRA androids to "police" the world, once he's dead from the Alpha Ray beam. But Fury escapes! As SHIELD searches the Heli-Carrier for the bomb with no result, Fury, "playing it by ear", takes on one group of HYDRA thugs after another, until Strucker faces him one-on-one. Thanks to his deadly "Satan Claw", Strucker gains the upper hand, and it looks like it might be the end...!

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #157 (June 1967)

Indexer Notes

Part 8 of 9. 1st appearance of The Satan Claw.

Final Encounter! (Table of Contents: 13)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jim Steranko (credited)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Jim Steranko (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited)

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Trapped on Hydra Island and shocked into unconsiousness...

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Supreme Hydra [Baron Strucker]; Nick Fury; HYDRA; Laura Brown

Synopsis

The battle between Fury & Strucker rages until Fury manages to remove his Satan glove. Minutes later, as HYDRA thugs enter the room, they discover two Strucker's! One of them is revealed to be wearing a mask, panics, and is incinerated in an Alpha-Particle Reactor Cube. The other orders Laura put aboard the Dyna-Soar and takes off from Hydra Island, despite the imminent detonation of The Death Spore bomb. Fury had used Strucker's device to disguise himself and Strucker. It detonates, and thanks to the impenetrable dome, only Hydra Island and all within are wiped off the face of the Earth!

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #158 (July 1967)

Indexer Notes

Part 9 of 9. Although HYDRA's leader and main base were destroyed, their branch organization, A.I.M., resurfaced the very next month against Captain America in TALES OF SUSPENSE #92 (August 1967). HYDRA itself would return in CAPTAIN AMERICA #110 (February 1969). Baron Strucker would appear to return, without explanation, in the guise of "The Hood" in CAPTAIN AMERICA #131 (November 1970); however, this was proved to be only a robot in CAPTAIN AMERICA #247 (July 1980). Baron Strucker remained dead for 24 years, until he was brought back to life in NICK FURY, AGENT OF S.H.I.E.L.D. #20 (February 1991). HYDRA's formation by Baron Strucker would be revealed in flashback in CAPTAIN SAVAGE #2-4 (March-July 1968).

Spy School (Table of Contents: 14)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jim Steranko (credited)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Jim Steranko (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Jerry Feldmann (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited)

First Line of Dialogue or Text

How's it feel to be back in civilization again, Gabe?

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Dum Dum Dugan; Jasper Sitwell; Nick Fury; Gabe Jones; Laura Brown; Yancy Street Gang (cameo flashback); Mamma Fury (cameo flashback); Jake Fury (unnamed; cameo flashback); The Gaff [Sidney E. Levine]; Val [Contessa Valentina Allegro De Fontaine]; Captain America [Steve Rogers]

Synopsis

Fury reminisces with Laura about his days growing up in Hell's Kitchen; then at SHIELD HQ, offers her a job as an agent. Fury goes to the UNIT academy, where recruits undergo rigorous education. He meets two new agents: Sidney E. Levine, a tech expert and Val, who scoffs at his attitude that the spy game is man's work. Fury takes on Captain America in a display bout for the recruits, but gets dizzy due to a side-effect of the invisibility pill he used earlier. Cap tells him he's found out who was responsible for a job they tackled a year ago.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #159 (August 1967)

Indexer Notes

Part 1 of 9. 1st appearance of Fury's apartment, The Gaff & Val. During the fight, Cap mentions the last time he & Fury met was when they fought "THEM"'s Humanoid Assassin in TALES OF SUSPENSE #78 (June 1966). That story was clearly Cap & Fury's 1st meeting since WW2 in SGT. FURY AND HIS HOWLING COMMANDOS #13 (December 1964), as Cap had been trying to contact Fury for months about possibly becoming a SHIELD agent (seen in several issues of THE AVENGERS). Yet 4 pages later, Cap refers to a job they tackled together "a year ago". (Perhaps "The Big Blackout" took place immediately after TOS #78, as there was a break between issues #78 & #79.) Meanwhile, after loitering in the shadows outside Stark Industries for 2 months, Jasper would become a regular in the Iron Man series in TALES OF SUSPENSE #95 (November 1967).

Project: Blackout (Table of Contents: 15)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jim Steranko (credited)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Jim Steranko (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited)

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Here it is Cap... the Blackout Dossier!

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; Jimmy Woo; Captain America [Steve Rogers]

Synopsis

Cap introduces Fury to an old friend, FBI man Jimmy Woo as Fury relates the events of November 10, 1965. The ESP Division became aware of a threat on Bedloe Island before they were killed by an explosion. Fury asked Cap for aid and the two met under the Statue of Liberty, where they found an army of invaders planning to use an "Id-Paralyzer" to turn everyone on the East Coast into mindless slaves. Cap races toward the Baxter Building for help, but the anti-gravity belt he "borrowed" from the invaders cuts out in mid-air! Meanwhile, Fury, overcome by numbers, is tossed off the Statue's torch.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #160 (September 1967)

Indexer Notes

Part 2 of 9. 1st appearance of Fury's office with circular desk. Destruction of the ESP Division occurs between STRANGE TALES #143 (April 1966) and cameo in STRANGE TALES #157 (June 1967); this flashback "explains" their disappearance from the series, the latter appearance must be new recruits seen as the place was being reconstructed. Story apparently takes place between STRANGE TALES #145-146 and TALES OF SUSPENSE #78-79 (both June-July 1966). Fury is shown wearing his black jumpsuit, even though he was never seen wearing it before STRANGE TALES #156 (May 1967). Fury also describes his outfit as "insulated" against electric shocks, despite his being nearly killed by one in STRANGE TALES #158 (July 1967). 1st appearance of Jimmy Woo since YELLOW CLAW #4 (April 1957).

The Second Doom (Table of Contents: 16)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jim Steranko (credited)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Jim Steranko (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited)

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Ben-- Look!

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Captain America [Steve Rogers]; Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards]; The Thing [Ben Grimm]; Nick Fury; Jimmy Woo; The Yellow Claw; Suwan; Fritz Von Voltzmann

Synopsis

Reed Richards and Ben Grimm save Cap from falling to his death while Fury saves himself by catching onto the Statue's crown. Reed and Ben provide assistance to the pair and stop the invaders plans, cutting off all power on the East Coast, creating the New York City Blackout in the process. Back in the present Jimmy Woo tells Fury he believes the man behind the scheme was The Yellow Claw. In a underground base The Yellow Claw, his niece Suwan and his ally Von Voltzmann eavesdrop on the conversation, as The Claw speaks of his "infallible" scheme: "The Second Doom".

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #161 (October 1967)

Indexer Notes

Part 3 of 9. ("Project: Blackout! Part II"). Yellow Claw, Suwan & Von Voltzmann's previous appearance in THE YELLOW CLAW #4 (April 1957). Flashback apparently takes place between STRANGE TALES #145-146, TALES OF SUSPENSE #78-79 and FANTASTIC FOUR #51-52 (all cover-dated June-July 1966). Though none could have realized it, the name of The Claw's plan was a clue to the truth behind the entire story.

So Evil, the Night! (Table of Contents: 17)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jim Steranko (credited)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Frank Giacoia (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited)

First Line of Dialogue or Text

No-- you're not seeing things!

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

The Gaff [Sidney E. Levine, "Gaffer"]; Nick Fury; Captain America [Steve Rogers]; Val [Contessa Valentina Allegro de Fontaine]; Jimmy Woo; The Yellow Claw ("Fang-Chu"); Fritz Von Voltzmann

Synopsis

The Gaff presents Fury with his new car made entirely out of clear fiberglass, making it "completely invisible" from 100 feet away! Fury and Val go to SHIELD's rebuilt ESP Division. There, Jimmy Woo detects that The Yellow Claw is in Chinatown. Woo tells Fury it's his job now, and goes there alone. After a harrowing encounter with a pair of Claw goons, Fury impersonates one of them, and in a darkened shop, meets "Fang-Chu" (The Claw) face-to-face. But Voltzmann gets the drop on him, and an instant later, he falls through a trapdoor into the tentacles of a giant octopus.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #162 (November 1967)

Indexer Notes

Part 4 of 9. 2nd appearance of The Gaff & Val. 1st appearance of Fury's new car, and the new ESP Division, replacing those destroyed in STRANGE TALES #153 (March 1967) and the flashback in #160 (September 1967). The Claw having Fury fight a giant octopus pays tribute to the Ian Fleming James Bond 007 novel, DR. NO (1958). James Bond finally got a car capable of invisibility in the film DIE ANOTHER DAY (2002).

And the Dragon Cried...Death! (Table of Contents: 18)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jim Steranko (credited)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Frank Giacoia (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited)

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Remember last ish? If not, this should help jog your memory, tiger!

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

The Yellow Claw; Fritz Von Voltzmann; Nick Fury; A.I.M; Suwan; Val [Contessa Valentina Allegro de Fontaine]; Clay Quartermain; The Gaff [Sidney E. Levine]

Synopsis

As Fury escapes the monster octopus, The Yellow Claw spies on A.I.M. Torn by her conscience, Suwan contacts Jimmy Woo who tells Fury of the Claw's plans to steal The Ultimate Annihilator from A.I.M. Fury meets Clay Quartermain who joins him on his mission to tackle an A.I.M. squad. They retrieve a dragon statue which the Claw steals, unaware it was only a duplicate. The real statue speaks the names of 4 scientists when struck but Fury is too late to save the first 3. Impersonating the 4th, Fury confronts the Claw but is overcome by his hypnotic powers and shot with the Ultimate Annihilator.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #163 (December 1967)

Indexer Notes

Part 5 of 9. Clay Quartermain based on Kirk Douglas. The Dragon, when wrapped up, pays tribute to The Maltese Falcon.

When Comes...Black Noon! (Table of Contents: 19)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jim Steranko (credited)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Bill Everett (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Artie Simek (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited)

First Line of Dialogue or Text

We know you don't want to fool around with long-winded explanations, faithful one!

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

The Yellow Claw; Nick Fury; Suwan; Fritz Von Voltzmann; "Clipper Charlie” (SHIELD barber); "Slim" (SHIELD barber); James Bond 007 (cameo); Val [Contessa Valentina Allegro de Fontaine]

Synopsis

At the instant the Claw fired The Ultimate Annihilator at Fury, Suwan teleports him through hyper-dimensional space to an underground lair and then back to SHIELD. In his lair The Claw tests the Ultimate Annihilator by destroying a satellite in orbit. SHIELD medics warn Fury that further stimulation could be fatal. Fury follows a tip and invisibly trails a Claw agent leading him to The Claw and Voltzmann. Fury discovers he's onboard The Sky Dragon, a huge airship miles above the city! Captured, Fury is tied under the Ultimate Annihilator as The Claw prepares to use it to destroy New York City!

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #164 (January 1968)

Indexer Notes

Part 6 of 9. The "Revive Chamber" is strikingly similar to the one used to heal Luke Skywalker in the film THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980). Ernst Stravo Blofeld would use a laser to destroy satellites in orbit in the 007 film, DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (1971).

Behold the Savage Sky! (Table of Contents: 20)

Nick Fury / comic story / 11 pages (report information)

Script

Jim Steranko (credited)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Frank Giacoia (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited)

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Black Noon has arrived... the Yellow Claw is about to destroy the island of Manhattan!

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Dum Dum Dugan; The Yellow Claw; Nick Fury; Fritz Von Voltzmann

Synopsis

As The Claw is about to destroy New York City, the SHIELD Heli-Carrier arrives and a squad led by Dugan assault The Sky Dragon. Fury breaks loose and defeats Von Voltzmann while several agents corner The Claw, but he lays them out using Hyper-Psionic Brain Emanations. His nervous system drained, The Claw unleashes a squadron of robot replicas of himself to cover his escape. Fury catches up with the real Claw using a Magnetic Pelfrag Shooter to weigh him down but the pellets disintegrate. The Claw now has body armor, including his face and with spiked gloves beats Fury and makes his escape.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #165 (February 1968)

Indexer Notes

Part 7 of 9. The use of a 2-page spread on pages 2-3 was later adapted by both Jack Kirby and Mike Grell on a very regular basis in their comics. The Sky Dragon would reappear in MARVEL TWO-IN ONE #51 (May 1979). It's been debated by some fans whether The Claw seen at the beginning of this episode was the same one who beat up Fury and escaped at the end!

If Death Be My Destiny! (Table of Contents: 21)

Nick Fury / comic story / 11 pages (report information)

Script

Jim Steranko (credited)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Joe Sinnott (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited)

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Remember last ish? The Yellow Claw has slipped through SHIELD's massive manhunt in the sky!

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; Dum Dum Dugan; Jimmy Woo; Suwan; The Yellow Claw

Synopsis

Using a H.A.W.K. Harness Fury pursues the Claw's escaping airship and discovers his underwater hideout in New York Harbor. The Heli-Carrier's vortex beam holds The Sky Dragon stationary while SHIELD mops up The Claw's men. Fury uses a Pyro-Band to burn into The Claw's lair finding himself in a labyrinth. Meanwhile, Jimmy Woo is ambushed and teleported to the Claw's lair where he prepares to use a machine which will polarize him to death. Fury arrives and struggles with the Claw as Suwan frees Jimmy at the cost of her own life. In tears, Woo vows vengeance against both The Claw and Fury.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #166 (March 1968)

Indexer Notes

Part 8 of 9. The palm-magnets used by Fury were previously used by Captain America in TALES OF SUSPENSE #80 (August 1966). Dugan saying "Our best man's workin' on it right now!" is a tribute to a line from the pre-credit sequence of YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE (1967); Jimmy pursuing a thug down into a subway station also pays tribute to another scene in the same film. The "maze" page inspired a similar page in GIANT-SIZE MASTER OF KUNG FU #2 (December 1974). Jimmy's line about Burt Lancaster refers to the fact that Fury now resembles Steranko's favorite actor. The large figure of Fury on page 10 would become the cover corner box pic beginning with NICK FURY, AGENT OF SHIELD #1 (June 1968).

Armageddon! (Table of Contents: 22)

Nick Fury / comic story / 11 pages (report information)

Script

Jim Steranko (credited)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Joe Sinnott (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited)

First Line of Dialogue or Text

I was to be the one! And... and yet, she took my place without even a kiss before dying!

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Jimmy Woo; Suwan (deceased); The Yellow Claw; Nick Fury; Clay Quartermain; Dum Dum Dugan; Val [Contessa Valentina Allegro de Fontaine]; The Gaff [Sidney E. Levine]; The Prime Mover (chess robot); Dr. Doom

Synopsis

While Jimmy Woo cradles the body of Suwan in his arms a SHIELD Suicide Squad bursts in via The Dreadnought, a colossal tunneling machine. The Claw vanishes but Fury uses a Pseudo-Elliptoid Wrist Tracer to find him, but arrives just as the villain escapes into the Space-Time Continuum in an Infinity Sphere. Fury finds a Prototype Warp-Vest and follows The Claw as they have a psychic duel. Fury wins and uses The Satan Claw to peel open The Claw's armor, only to discover he was actually a robot. Unknown to SHIELD Dr. Doom was playing a cosmic chess game using automatons to confuse the agents.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #167 (April 1968)

Indexer Notes

Part 9 of 9. Features comics' 1st 4-page spread (requiring 2 issues side-by-side for full effect). Pages fold out in this reprint version! SHIELD's invading The Yellow Claw's underground HQ pays tribute to the climax of the film YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE (1967), except with the heroes coming up thru the floor instead of down thru the ceiling. SHIELD's Dreadnaught, which takes its name (ironically) from the HYDRA killer robot, is in the tradition of tunneling machines used by Cave Carson in BRAVE AND THE BOLD #31 (DC Comics, September 1960), The Hate Monger in FANTASTIC FOUR #21 (February 1963), International Rescue on the tv series THUNDERBIRDS (1965) and Japan's Science Patrol on the tv series ULTRA MAN (1966). The Claw's "Infinity Sphere" is strikingly similar to The Legion Of Super-Heroes' "Time Bubbles" in ADVENTURE COMICS. With Dr. Strange battling a science-fiction villain, and Fury hurtling thru other dimensions, the line between the 2 series in STRANGE TALES was beginning to disappear. Baron Strucker's Satan Claw last seen in STRANGE TALES #159 (August 1967). The Prime Mover would return in GIANT-SIZE DEFENDERS #3 (January 1975). While the ending of this story would be long debated among fans, writer Steve Englehart would bring back The Yellow Claw in CAPTAIN AMERICA #164-167 (August-November 1973).

Today Earth Died! (Table of Contents: 23)

Nick Fury / comic story / 11 pages (report information)

Script

Jim Steranko (credited)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Joe Sinnott (credited)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee (credited)

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Last ish, Nick Fury administered the final deathblow to the Yellow Claw...

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; Val [Contessa Valentina Allegro de Fontaine]; Chet Huntley (NBC News); Dum Dum Dugan; Vaengr; Jimmy Woo

Synopsis

As Fury begins to doze off in his office he gets a call from Val about a UFO. Landing in midtown Manhattan a news crew and crowds gather to observe the emergence of an alien named Vaengr. He offers them The Prism Of Miracles which will banish hatred, crime, war and violence. Fury, Val and Dugan search the spaceship and discover Vaengr is not what he seems. Val and Dugan are fried to ashes by the alien who mutates into a monstrous insect-like form and gloats about his destruction of earth. Fury is awakened from his nightmare by Dugan, who tells him of a report just in about a UFO...

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #168 (May 1968)

Indexer Notes

A peaceful alien offering a gift pays tribute to THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (1951), while an alien invasion which turns out to be a nightmare-- which starts all over again at the end of the story-- pays tribute to INVADERS FROM MARS (1953). Series continues in NICK FURY, AGENT OF SHIELD #1 (June 1968).

[Title Page for Cover Gallery] (Table of Contents: 24)

credits, title page / 1 page (report information)

Letters

typeset

Indexer Notes

"Cover Gallery" title.

The Moment of... Overkill! (Table of Contents: 25)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (signed as KIRBY)

Inks

Jim Steranko (signed as STERANKO)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen

Editing

Stan Lee

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

HYDRA; Nick Fury

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #151 (December 1966)

Indexer Notes

Jim Steranko arrives at Marvel Comics!

[The Hiding Place!] (Table of Contents: 26)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (signed as STERANKO)

Inks

Jim Steranko (signed as STERANKO); Wally Wood (Laura Brown figure)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen

Editing

Stan Lee

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Dum Dum Dugan; Laura Brown; Nick Fury; HYDRA

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #153 (February 1967)

Indexer Notes

Wood inks suggested by Henry Kujawa, agreed by Nick Simon (August 2007).

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 27)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (signed as STERANKO)

Inks

Jim Steranko (signed as STERANKO)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

HYDRA; Nick Fury

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #155 (April 1967)

Indexer Notes

Banner in masthead similar to the one that would become the standard design on Marvel with the November 1971 issues (with similar banners turning up on DC Comics, Atlas Comics & Archie Comics).

Crisis! (Table of Contents: 28)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (signed as STERANKO)

Inks

Jim Steranko (signed as STERANKO)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen

Editing

Stan Lee

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Supreme Hydra [Baron Strucker]; Laura Brown; Nick Fury

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #157 (June 1967)

Featuring: The Great Captain America! (Table of Contents: 29)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (signed as STERANKO)

Inks

Jim Steranko (signed as STERANKO)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen

Editing

Stan Lee

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; Captain America [Steve Rogers]

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #159 (August 1967)

The Second Doom! (Table of Contents: 30)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (signed as STERANKO)

Inks

Jim Steranko (signed as STERANKO)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen

Editing

Stan Lee

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Yellow Claw; Captain America [Steve Rogers]; Nick Fury

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #161 (October 1967)

And the Dragon Cried... Death! (Table of Contents: 31)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (signed as STERANKO)

Inks

Jim Steranko (signed as STERANKO)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen

Editing

Stan Lee

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Yellow Claw; Nick Fury

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #163 (December 1967)

Indexer Notes

Black backgrounds almost unheard of among 1960's Marvel covers; apparently a tribute to many 1950's Marvel horror covers (very fitting as The Yellow Claw's solo series ran from 1956-57).

Behold the Savage Sky! (Table of Contents: 32)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (signed as STERANKO)

Inks

Jim Steranko (signed as STERANKO)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Letters

Sam Rosen

Editing

Stan Lee

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Yellow Claw; Nick Fury

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #165 (February 1968)

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 33)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (signed as STERANKO)

Inks

Jim Steranko (signed as STERANKO)

Colors

Estudio Fénix (credited)

Editing

Stan Lee

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Dum Dum Dugan; Val [Contessa Valentina Allegro de Fontaine]; Gabe Jones; Nick Fury; The Gaff [Sidney E. Levine]; Clay Quartermain

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #167 (April 1968)

Indexer Notes

Advertised in previous issue's coming attactions box as "Mighty Marvel's first venture into psychedelic artwork". Nick Fury is a dead ringer for Burt Lancaster (Steranko's favorite actor) on this cover.

Jim Steranko (Table of Contents: 34)

text article / 3 pages (report information)

Script

Eduardo López Lafuente (credited)

Letters

typeset

Indexer Notes

Biography on Jim Steranko.

The Greatest Comics Never Seen!! (Table of Contents: 35)

Nick Fury / illustration / 2 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); ? (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (credited) (layouts); Jim Steranko (credited)

Inks

Jim Steranko (credited)

Letters

typeset

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury

Indexer Notes

Try-out pages, previously published in Marvel Age. Text unrelated to story; describes Steranko's career and effect on comics.

[no title indexed] (Table of Contents: 36)

blank page(s) / 1 page (report information)

Indexer Notes

Blank page.
Inside back cover.

Bullets, Babes and Brush-Strokes... (Table of Contents: 37) (Expand) /

Nick Fury / promo (ad from the publisher) / 1 page (report information)